The state just needs to get smaller! Tories urge Whitehall cuts as civil service chief calls for ‘fundamental’ AI revolution to boost productivity

Cabinet Secretary Dame Antonia Romeo is due to call for a major productivity drive across the Civil Service, arguing that AI could help meet rising demand for public services as departmental budgets tighten. Her speech also highlights declining public trust and the need for transparent, ethical use of AI.

The Conservatives say the Civil Service has grown by nearly 130,000 full-time staff since 2016 and argue it should be cut back to its size a decade ago. Shadow Treasury minister Gareth Davies says that would save £9.6 billion. The speech comes after departments were told to cut capital budgets by 1 per cent to help fund defence, while proposals to move jobs to the regions have raised concerns they may shift roles rather than reduce staffing.